A four-season destination
Summer is a perfect time to be on the lake, & in winter the snow-covered mountains, attracts skiers & snowboarders from around the globe. Autumnal colours offer up a spectacular sight, & the spring brings to the fore fresh new growth & life.
Whatever the season or reason for your visit to lakefront Wanaka, for more information on what to do in the area on land, water or air, just ask. We can make arrangements on your behalf or point you in the right direction.
Just remember – one day is never enough in Wanaka!
Family friendly
So much family fun to be had! Explore lakes, forests, and mountains. Pick a spot and pack a picnic. Bike or hike the many family-friendly tracks. Hit the water or the ski slopes. Say hello to the farm animals at the Wanaka Lavender Farm, visit Warbirds and Wheels and don’t miss Puzzling World.
Walks
Wanaka has over 750kms of walking tracks. Mt Aspiring National Park tempts serious hikers and climbers, while an array of shorter tracks offers strolls closer to town for those after a not so strenuous stretch of the legs.
Snow
Skiing, snowboarding, dog sledding and après skiing – there’s an experience on the snow for the starter to the seasoned pro across three diverse world-class ski fields a mere 40-minute drive from the town centre.
Health & Wellbeing
Relax, recharge and rejuvenate in this scenic setting with yoga, gym sessions, massages, spa treatments and more.
Biking
Stunning rides await the beginner and expert mountain biker and road cyclist.
Food & drink
All year round, fine local food and wine will delight the senses and satisfy the taste buds of nigh all foodies. Packed with award-winning restaurants, cafes, artisan produce, wineries, breweries, an artisan distillery and a Wanaka Farmers Market there is no need to go hungry or be parched in Wanaka!
Shopping
Wanaka Township is perfectly formed. Clothing boutiques are thoughtfully curated with a mix of iconic international and New Zealand brands. Alongside there are art galleries, adventure equipment stores, banks, pharmacies and supermarkets.
On the water
Crystal-clear water is the heart of Wanaka’s outdoor lifestyle with Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea the main drawing cards to the region for many. By kayak, boat, SUP, sail or jet boat you can explore and enjoy the lakes, rivers, beaches, islands, and waterfalls. What’s more the waterways around the Wanaka region are well-known as premium fishing locations with some of the best dry fly and sight fishing in the world for salmon and trout. Go it alone or get a professional guide and hit their secret spots amidst stunning scenery. A great trip for the whole family.
In nature
Surrounded by magnificent mountains, glaciers, lakes, rivers, wildlife, and World Heritage Areas, the awe-inspiring beauty of Wanaka is unforgettable and offers up picture-perfect moments. Mt Aspiring National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Area. By night, the Wanaka sky is so full of stars you may not want to sleep but star gaze.
Adventure
For adrenalin-inducing adventure in awe-inspiring scenery, it’s hard to beat Wanaka. From Wanaka’s doorstep, you can skydive, tackle the world’s highest waterfall via ferrata, explore world-class canyons, fly a plane or get upside down in one, try off-road 4 wheel driving, quad biking, horse trekking and more.
Attractions
In Wanaka, you can get lost in a maze, see 500 collectible cars under one roof, get close to historic fighter planes or fly an aircraft. You can take on climbing walls or take in a movie in Wanaka’s state of the art, classic movie theatre complete with comfy sofas, delicious meals, homemade ice cream, and cookies! Then there’s the Transport and Toy Museum - one of the largest private collections in the world. For golf aficionados, you can enjoy sensational views over 18 holes, or kick back for some family fun with a round of mini-golf.
#thatwanakatree
Just 200m from the Wanaka Homestead & Lodges is probably the most photographed tree in New Zealand and the only one with its own hashtag #thatwanakatree. This 100-year old willow tree stands alone in the cool water of Lake Wanaka at Roys Bay. In the early 1900s, the tree started its life as a humble fence post in that very spot – just a sole determined branch chopped off a large willow plugged in the ground.